Conservation: Story

DFG Successfully Relocates Southern California Bear

Wardens responded quickly to relate bear located in residential area

Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wardens responded quickly Tuesday morning and relocated a bear that has been getting into Southern California trash cans.

The 400-pound bear has been sighted multiple times around the Glendale area in the last three weeks. This morning, it was cornered in a La Crescenta backyard giving DFG officials the opportunity to safely tranquilize and remove it. It was then transported to the Angeles National Forest for release back into the wild.

The bear appears to be a healthy male about three years old. DFG has been monitoring the bear in this area for several weeks and working with local law enforcement and DFG biologists to balance public safety needs with the desire to safely move the bear to suitable habitat.

“The cooperative effort paid off this morning with a successful removal of the bear without injury, to the animal or any of the surrounding public,” said DFG Assistant Chief Paul Hamdorf. “We are obviously very pleased that the bear will be released and that it was done safely.”

When wild animals are allowed to feed on human food and garbage, they lose their natural ways, often resulting in death for the animal. Bears and other animals are attracted to anything edible or smelly. Humans can take these steps to prevent attracting bears and other animals to their homes or campsites:

Store garbage in bear-proof containers or in the garage until pick-up.

Keep food indoors or in airtight and odor-free containers.

Put away picnic leftovers; clean BBQ grills.

Keep pet food inside.

Pick up fallen tree fruit as soon as possible, or protect fruit trees with electric fencing.

Remove cosmetic fragrances and other attractants, including bird feeders and compost piles.